An Open Letter For Forgiveness

Newsflash: growing up is a cruel and vicious road for anyone- no matter what walk you come from in life.  Whether it was paved by painful lessons you willingly put yourself through in your young and naïve adolescence, or even just something cringy you said or wore back in middle school- you deserve to take a moment to forgive yourself. 
 
Here’s some truth that is worth mentioning: nobody pays much attention to anything embarrassing you have done because everyone is too preoccupied doing exactly what you’re doing: harping on their own intrinsic let-downs and judging themselves for it. 
 
Feeling shame over past actions or decisions you’ve made is natural, but you must remind yourself that this is the learning curve everyone must go through.  It may have been detrimental at the time, and even if the pain still lingers over whatever you’re emotionally hoarding within your heart- recognize that it was and is all in the name of toughening up for this cut-throat, merciless world. 
 
When you look at tragedy and shortcomings as stepping-stones to get you to where you need to be, it doesn’t all seem so dense.  It made you wiser, it taught you humbleness, it taught you *resilience*. 
 
Most importantly, look around yourself and see how much negativity flows throughout every community.  You don’t have to partake in this cold-hearted, flippant "cancel" culture that circulates the media.  Be gentle to yourself and others, as we’re all still learning and maturing into the best forms of ourselves.  Just as you dwell over your own failures, so do your surrounding peers- and everybody deserves to catch a break and hear, “it’s okay” whether it’s from somebody else or even just to themselves.
 
Remember that your mistakes do not define you, but rather pave the way for you.  Know that you’re worth forgiveness, kindness, and fresh starts.  Stop letting whatever it is weigh you down anymore- because you are worthy of that liberation and a breath of fresh air.   
 
Strike Out,

Writer: Gillian McKendree

Editor: Hali Azpeitia

Tallahassee